Studying Abroad
The University of Mannheim offers its students numerous opportunities to spend one or two semesters abroad. You will expand your specialist knowledge, improve your foreign language skills, and immerse yourself in a new culture. Find out what steps you need to take to apply.
How to decide?
Please use the following questions as guidelines for your decision-making process:
1. Do I want to spend one semester or an entire year abroad or do I prefer a shorter period for my stay abroad?
2. Would I like to study abroad, do an internship or maybe even combine the two? Or is a summer school an alternative for me?
3. Which language(s) do I speak and at which level? So which regions of the world are open to me?
4. When do I want to go abroad? When is the respective application deadline?
5. What is financially feasible and what scholarships are available? Would I prefer a partner university where I do not have to pay any fees, or can I, as a free mover, also afford a university that charges me (high) tuition fees?
How to apply?
Depending on your destination and your desired mobility period, different partner universities may be suitable for you.
Before submitting your application, research your target destination(s) in the database of partner universities and name your seven priorities.
Deadlines for bachelor’s programs
Destination fall fall & spring spring Europe 31 January of the year of the stay abroad 31 January of the year of the stay abroad 30 April of the year before the stay abroad Overseas (North America, Middle and South America, Asia, Russia, Israel, Morocco, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand ) 15 October of the year before the stay abroad 15 October of the year before the stay abroad 15 October of the academic year before the stay abroad Deadlines for master’s programs
Destination fall fall & spring spring Europe 31 January of the year of the stay abroad 31 January of the year of the stay abroad 30 April of the year before the stay abroad Overseas (North America, Middle and South America, Asia, Russia, Israel, Morocco, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand ) 15 October of the year before the stay abroad 15 October of the year before the stay abroad 15 October of the academic year before the stay abroad
During my semester abroad, I found a second home. Glasgow is an open city with humorous people – and being part of the Erasmus community, I felt immediately at home. Studying at another university does not only bring new knowledge and new acquaintances, but also changes and enriches your perspective on your home country. There is no question that the five months that I spent in Glasgow are one of the most exciting periods of my life.
Simon Steiger, B.Sc. Psychology, University of Glasgow
My semester abroad in Northern Ireland was an incredibly enriching experience. The Queen's University Belfast is an outstanding university, ideally suited to international students, offering plenty of opportunities to make new friends and spend an unforgettable semester together. The historic city of Belfast, the second largest city on the Irish island, is not far from Dublin. If you've had enough of the city’s great museums and sights, you can enjoy breathtaking coastal walks in the immediate vicinity – the perfect reward for your academic commitment!
Fahima Farkhari, M.Sc. Psychology – Cognitive and Clinical Psychology, Queen's University Belfast / Private photo
My semester abroad in Japan has been an experience I will never forget. From huge house fronts with loud neon lights to vast natural areas – the country is incredibly diverse. What I will remember most are the people from all over the world as they taught me a lot and I had a lot of fun with them. During my semester abroad, I learned that we might have different cultures, yet we all have the same motives and needs and speak a common language. Japan is the perfect destination for all those who want to step out of their comfort zone, grow personally, and enjoy great food.
Anil-Melih Sahin, M.Sc. Psychology – Work, Economy and Society, Hitotsubashi University
FAQ
Can I go abroad without having to extend my studies?
We encourage all students to go abroad during their studies.
If you would like to have the courses and examinations you take at a university abroad recognized, please contact the program managers and/
or departmental exchange coordinators before leaving. They will coordinate the courses to be recognized with you. By concluding a Learning Agreement, it is usually possible to stay within the regular period of study. When and where do I apply for an academic leave of absence?
You can apply for leave of absence during your studies citing a valid reason (section 61 subsection 1 of the Act on Higher Education of the Land of Baden-Württemberg (LHG)).
A valid reason for being granted an academic leave of absence is for example:- an internship,
- a semester abroad,
- maternity leave / parental leave / parenting, or
- health issues.
The application must be filed before the semester it corresponds to begins. Further information can be obtained from Student Services.
What happens if I do not want to have a course taken abroad recognized?
If you decide not to have a course recognized even after you have concluded a Learning Agreement, simply delete it from the Learning Agreement yourself before submitting a request for recognition of your credits obtained abroad to the Central Examination Committee (ZPA). Please note that you will then have to take the corresponding course in Mannheim.
If you have already had the course recognized, you can also use your attempt at improvement in Mannheim to retake the examination taken abroad in order to improve your grade. Please register your attempt at improvement personally at the Student Services.
Subject-specific questions
Exchange coordinators at the School of Social Sciences
If you have any subject-specific questions about studying abroad, such as questions regarding the selection and recognition of courses, please contact the departmental exchange coordinators at the School of Social Sciences. For any organizational issues, such as the application, visa or scholarships, the International Office will be at your disposal.
Photo credit: Elisa Berdica
Photo credit: Elisa Berdica
General exchange coordinator for international relations
